Morocco

KENITRA – 29 Hospitalized After Food Poisoning at Market

Twenty-nine people were hospitalized Monday evening after eating contaminated sandwiches purchased at a weekly market near Souk El Arbaa, Morocco.

The victims developed symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain shortly after eating food from the market, according to medical authorities.

Patients initially sought treatment at the local hospital in Souk El Arbaa before being transferred to a larger medical center for additional care. Most of those affected responded to medical treatment and were discharged the following day.

Eight patients remained under medical supervision as of Tuesday evening, with hospital officials expecting their release Wednesday.

The mass food poisoning incident occurred during a period of extreme heat across Morocco, with temperatures reaching unusually high levels throughout the country. Such conditions can accelerate bacterial growth in improperly stored or prepared food products.

Health authorities have not yet identified the specific cause of the contamination or announced the results of any food safety investigation. Officials are expected to examine the source of the contaminated sandwiches sold at the weekly market.

The incident highlights ongoing food safety challenges in Morocco’s outdoor markets and street food vendors, particularly during warmer months when bacterial contamination risks increase. High temperatures can cause rapid food spoilage if proper refrigeration and storage protocols are not maintained.

Weekly markets across Morocco serve as important sources of fresh food and prepared meals for local communities. However, maintaining consistent hygiene standards and proper food storage can be challenging in outdoor market environments without reliable refrigeration systems. Street vendors and smaller food businesses may lack adequate cooling facilities to prevent contamination.

Food poisoning cases typically increase during summer months when elevated temperatures create favorable conditions for bacterial growth. 

Bangladesh

DHAKA – Family of Three Found Dead After Restaurant Meal

A Saudi Arabian expatriate and his family were found dead in their Dhaka hotel room Sunday morning after eating at a nearby restaurant the previous evening, police reported.

The victims were identified as a 48 year old man, his 38 year old wife, and their 18 year old son.

Police said the family was in the area for medical services. Unable to secure appointments that day, they checked into a hotel that afternoon.

The family dined at a local restaurant located near their hotel, Saturday evening. All three family members began vomiting shortly after the meal and took over-the-counter medication to counteract the symptoms, according to police.

A relative discovered the family members when he visited their hotel room Sunday morning. He took them to a nearby hospital, where medical staff pronounced all three dead upon arrival.

Police are investigating food poisoning as the suspected cause of death but have not eliminated other potential causes. The Criminal Investigation Department’s crime scene unit has collected evidence from both the hotel and hospital.

Police confirmed that investigators have obtained security camera footage from the hotel and are questioning the hotel manager as part of the ongoing investigation.

“Although it is suspected that the death was due to food poisoning, an investigation is under way to explore other possible causes,” Alam stated.

The bodies have been transferred to a local medical college for autopsy examination, which will help determine the exact cause of death. Results from the post-mortem examination are expected to provide crucial evidence for the investigation.

Authorities have not disclosed whether other patrons at the restaurant reported similar symptoms or illnesses following meals on Saturday. The restaurant’s operations status and any potential closure orders were not immediately available.

Cameroon

YAOUNDE – Two Dead, 105 Hospitalized in Food Poisoning Incident

At least two people have died and 105 others were hospitalized following a mass food poisoning incident in Cameroon.

A hospital confirmed in a statement that among those hospitalized were 99 children and six adults. Hospital officials reported that most patients responded well to treatment, though six individuals remained in critical condition.

Local residents reported that the victims had attended an event on Tuesday, where they consumed biscuits suspected of contamination.

Local leaders confirmed that police have launched an investigation into the incident. The governor called for public calm as authorities work to determine the cause of the poisoning.

Details about the specific type of contamination or the source of the biscuits have not been released by authorities. The investigation is ongoing as police work to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

No information has been provided about the identities of the two deceased victims or their ages. Hospital officials have not released additional details about the conditions of the six patients who remain in critical care.